The Minnesota Timberwolves are on the brink but not quite over the hump. After an impressive run to the 2025 Western Conference Finals, Anthony Edwards left no doubt that he’s the future of the league with playoff averages of 25.3 PPG, 7.8 RPG, and 5.5 APG.
However, even with his explosive play, elite defense, and charismatic leadership, Minnesota still bowed out to the deeper, more versatile Oklahoma City Thunder. The Timberwolves simply lacked that second perimeter star who could ease the burden on Edwards when defenses keyed in, and it showed in crunch time.
Naz Reid had a solid regular season but was neutralized in the playoffs as he weighs his $15,022,464 player option in the offseason, and while Jaden McDaniels is among the league’s elite wing defenders, his offensive game still lags behind. That’s why this trade idea, pairing Edwards with Ja Morant, is both bold and potentially franchise-altering.
With Memphis looking to reset after a chaotic season and Minnesota needing to capitalize on their contention window, the time for a seismic shift might be now. Let’s break down why this proposed deal could reshape the future for both franchises and maybe the Western Conference itself.
Proposed Trade Details
Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: Ja Morant, John Konchar
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: Jaden McDaniels, Naz Reid (Sign-and-Trade), 2025 No. 17 Overall Pick, 2025 No. 31 Overall Pick
Minnesota Timberwolves Create Unstoppable Backcourt
This would instantly become the most electric backcourt in the NBA. Pairing Ja Morant (23.2 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 7.3 APG) with Anthony Edwards gives Minnesota two high-octane shot-creators who can take over games on their own and devastate opponents in transition.
Edwards has already shown he can thrive on-ball and off, and Morant, for all his chaos, is a relentless rim attacker who collapses defenses like few others. Together, they’d form a devastating blend of power, speed, and creativity. Defenders would be left guessing, help schemes would be shredded, and the pace? Good luck keeping up.
Of course, concerns about fit and maturity come with Morant, but in Minnesota’s structure, with Finch’s steady hand and the leadership of Edwards, this could be the exact environment Ja needs to refocus. The Wolves have a strong locker room, and with Morant’s troubled history behind him (hopefully), this is his chance to rewrite the narrative.
Edwards isn’t a ball-dominant player by nature; he thrives in motion and chaos, so this isn’t a Westbrook-Harden situation. It’s closer to a young Wade and Bosh type of blend, but with way more explosiveness.
Trading McDaniels and Reid isn’t easy, but it’s necessary. Minnesota can’t wait around and hope their current group gradually gets over the hump. In the West, if you’re not moving forward, you’re getting passed.
The Ja/Ant duo could rival OKC’s SGA/Williams combo, LA’s LeBron/Luka, or even Denver’s Murray/Jokic pairing in terms of sheer impact. This is a big swing, but if Minnesota’s serious about winning it all in the next two seasons, it’s a swing they have to take.
Memphis Grizzlies Finally Move On From Ja Morant
The Ja Morant era in Memphis has been a rollercoaster, thrilling highs, but ultimately derailed by off-court drama and instability. With multiple distractions, including Taylor Jenkins’ firing, the Grizzlies simply couldn’t get traction in 2024–25, despite a deep roster and rising talent.
The franchise has been loyal and patient, but at some point, stability becomes a priority over superstardom. If there’s ever been a moment to cash out, this is it, while Ja still holds massive value, especially to a team like Minnesota.
What Memphis gets in return is not just a reset, but a retool. Jaden McDaniels gives the Grizzlies a lockdown defender (12.2 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 1.3 SPG, 0.9 BPG) to pair with Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr., creating one of the most switchable units in the league.
He’s also just 24, with a blossoming offensive game and a team-first mentality. Naz Reid, coming off another good season (14.2 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 37.9% from three), provides much-needed floor spacing and scoring punch from the frontcourt. In a Grizzlies offense that stalled often this year, Reid’s versatility will be a breath of fresh air.
Don’t forget the picks, either. Memphis adds two solid draft assets in a loaded 2025 class, the No. 17 and No. 31 selections, which can be used to select more long-term talent or flipped in future trades. The Grizzlies remain competitive while finally cutting ties with the cloud that’s hovered over their rebuild. It’s a trade that signals maturity, control, and a desire to win with a new identity.
A Blockbuster And Feasible Trade That Should Happen
Unlike many big-name trade fantasies, this one actually works from a cap and basketball standpoint. The contracts align, the player timelines match, and both teams address major needs.
Minnesota gets a superstar co-star for Edwards while retaining Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle ($30,935,520 player option this summer) to round out a potentially devastating core. Meanwhile, Memphis regains control over its locker room, adds real talent, and sets up a long-term future centered around Bane, McDaniels, and Jackson Jr., a tough, switchable, intelligent group.
From a league-wide perspective, this is the kind of trade that reshapes the Western Conference. It gives Minnesota the star power to realistically challenge Oklahoma City, and it gives Memphis the depth and cohesion they’ve lacked through the chaos. Everyone wins, and that’s rare in these kinds of deals.
Ultimately, the Timberwolves are in a rare position: they’re close enough to dream big, but not secure enough to stand pat. Adding Ja Morant could be the move that pushes them into the Finals, and for Memphis, it’s the move that clears the deck for a more functional future.
